21st President of the United States

Chester A. Arthur | Biography

Lawyer, civil servant

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 24, 2025

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Who is Chester A. Arthur?

Chester A. Arthur was the 21st president of the United States, serving from 1881 until 1885. Born on October 5, 1829, in North Fairfield, Vermont, he grew up as the son of a Baptist abolitionist preacher. As he navigated through various towns in New York and Vermont due to his father's ministry, Arthur developed an early interest in law and politics. Following his graduation from Union College in 1848, he established a law practice in New York City before becoming involved in politics, initially serving as a political operative aligned with Republican Party leader Roscoe Conkling.

Arthur's path to the presidency began when he was nominated as vice president under James A. Garfield in 1880. His ascension to the presidency came after Garfield's assassination in 1881. As president, he broke away from his earlier political patronage background, advocating for reforms like the Pendleton Civil Service Act, which aimed to eliminate corruption in government appointments. Arthur also surprised many by supporting lower tariffs, reflecting his commitment to aiding struggling farmers and consumers. His presidency is noted for its unexpected shifts toward social reform and integrity in public service.

Despite his political achievements, Arthur's personal life was marked by tragedy, as his wife Ellen passed away shortly before he assumed the presidency, leaving him a widower. Known for his fashionable attire and social engagements in Washington, D.C., he took great care to enhance the White House's image through renovations. Unfortunately, Arthur battled Bright's disease, a serious kidney disorder, which he kept secret throughout his presidency. He ultimately returned to his law practice after failing to secure a second term and passed away on November 18, 1886, at the age of 57.

Early Life and Education

Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in North Fairfield, Vermont, into a devout Baptist family. His parents were Malvina (Stone) Arthur and Reverend William Arthur, who was known for his fervent abolitionist views. The family moved frequently across New York and Vermont due to his father's preaching commitments. Throughout his life, speculation arose regarding Arthur’s birthplace, with some asserting that he may have actually been born in Bedford, Quebec, Canada, but this claim was never substantiated.

Arthur's academic journey began in Union Village, New York, where he demonstrated an early interest in education and public affairs. He later enrolled in Union College in Schenectady, New York, graduating in 1848. While at college, Arthur was more engaged in extracurricular activities and political discussions than in his coursework, showcasing a budding interest in politics. After completing his education, he briefly taught school before pursuing a legal career, ultimately becoming a prominent lawyer in New York City.

Political Operative Career Start

Chester A. Arthur's political career began in earnest after the Civil War, when he became an associate of the influential Republican Party boss, Roscoe Conkling. With his keen organizational skills and adeptness at administration, Arthur contributed significantly to the Conkling political machine in New York. His role as collector of the New York Customs House allowed him to wield considerable power, as he filled positions with loyal supporters, bolstering Conkling's influence. This appointment marked Arthur as a consummate political operative deeply embedded in the patronage system that characterized much of the era’s politics.

In 1878, however, Arthur’s ties to the patronage system faced a setback when President Rutherford B. Hayes sought to reform it, ultimately leading to Arthur’s ousting from the Customs House. This setback did not undermine his political standing; instead, it positioned him as a key player in the Republican Party's strategies. In 1880, Conkling strategically included Arthur on the ticket with presidential nominee James A. Garfield as a measure to regain influence. When Garfield was assassinated just months later, Arthur rose to prominence as the 21st president of the United States, marking a crucial turning point in his political journey.

Achievements as President

Chester A. Arthur, the 21st president of the United States, is often recognized for his significant contributions to civil service reform during his tenure. One of his hallmark achievements was the enactment of the Pendleton Civil Service Act in 1883. This landmark legislation established a merit-based system for federal employment, ending the rampant patronage that had plagued the federal government. By creating a bipartisan Civil Service Commission, the law ensured that government positions were filled based on competency rather than political favoritism. This reform not only improved the efficiency of the federal workforce but also laid the groundwork for modern hiring practices in government.

Arthur also showcased a willingness to challenge party norms and advocate for broader economic reforms. He surprised many by pursuing tariff reduction to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and middle-class citizens. His veto of the Rivers and Harbors Act in 1882, a bill filled with local projects that benefited specific congressional districts, demonstrated his commitment to utilizing federal surpluses for the public good rather than catering to special interest groups. Through these actions, Arthur shifted his image from a mere political operator to a president committed to the principles of good governance and social equity.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Chester A. Arthur's personal life was marked by both companionship and solitude. He married Ellen Herndon in 1859, and together they had three children. Tragically, the couple faced the loss of their youngest child, who died at the tender age of three. Ellen played a significant role in Arthur's life, offering support throughout his burgeoning political career. However, their life together was cut short when Ellen passed away in 1880, leaving Arthur a widower as he assumed the presidency just months later. The death of his beloved wife profoundly impacted him, and he often reflected on their shared experiences during his time in office.

In the White House, Arthur's lifestyle leaned toward the socialite; he became known for his dapper fashion sense and cultivated a grand social circle. He took great pride in modernizing the executive mansion, hiring renowned designer Louis Comfort Tiffany for renovations. Despite his busy political agenda, Arthur seemed drawn to social events and the company of influential figures rather than to his family. This focus on public life over family commitments created a sense of distance, particularly during his presidency. Nevertheless, Arthur's memories of Ellen remained a poignant part of his life, influencing his actions and decisions within the political arena.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Chester A. Arthur, the 21st president of the United States, left an indelible mark on American politics during his brief tenure following the assassination of James A. Garfield. Despite his early career deeply rooted in political patronage, Arthur’s presidency is noted for significant reforms, primarily through the Pendleton Civil Service Act, which aimed to eliminate corruption by establishing merit-based appointments for federal jobs. However, when it comes to Arthur's net worth and earnings, detailed financial records from his lifetime are scarce. Historians estimate that he left a modest estate, primarily from his law practice and his position in public office.

During his time, salaries for U.S. presidents were not particularly high, and Chester A. Arthur earned an annual salary of $50,000, a figure that was relatively modest compared to today’s standards. While he was known for his lavish lifestyle, partly due to his social engagements and the remodeling of the White House by Louis Comfort Tiffany, his wealth did not derive from his presidential salary alone. Arthur's fortune was bolstered by his successful legal career prior to his presidency, including his role as a high-powered attorney in New York City. Overall, while he lived a life of notable prestige and influence, Chester A. Arthur’s net worth reflected a mixture of careful professional advancement and the demands of a public life.